Wisconsin Criminal Statutes – Layman’s Guide

940.01 – First-Degree Intentional Homicide

940.01 – First-Degree Intentional Homicide

• Statute Title: First-Degree Intentional Homicide

• Legal Definition: "Whoever causes the death of another human being with intent to kill that person or another."

• Layman’s Terms: Killing someone on purpose.

• Examples:

  1. A person plans and carries out the shooting of another individual after a heated argument escalates.

  2. Someone poisons their spouse with the intent to end their life for financial gain.

• Penalty:

  • Class A Felony – Life imprisonment (no parole unless eligible under sentencing)